Bodmin Leaders Experience Town Through Disabled Eyes
A Day in Different Shoes: Bodmin’s Accessibility Challenge
This week, Bodmin’s decision-makers experienced their town in ways most had never considered. Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost and cabinet member Dan Rogerson navigated Bodmin’s streets using a powered wheelchair and mobility scooter respectively, while town councillor Ciaran Morris wore vision-impairing glasses that left him nearly blind. The eye-opening experiment, organised by Access Cornwall director Viki Carpenter, wasn’t designed as a publicity stunt—it was a genuine attempt to shift perspective. What they discovered painted a sobering picture: towering kerbs that trap wheelchair users on pavements, rough road surfaces that rattle mobility aids, and missing dropped kerbs that force disabled residents into traffic. For many councillors, the journey to seemingly simple destinations like the post office or library became exhausting obstacles courses. “Some found it frightening, frustrating and tiring,” Carpenter reflected. Yet this discomfort served a purpose. Bodmin’s leaders returned with genuine insight into daily challenges facing disabled and elderly residents—challenges that shape how accessible our community truly is for everyone.
Local Voices: Why This Matters for Bodmin Residents
Pete Skea, Bodmin’s Deputy Mayor and a wheelchair user himself, has lived these barriers daily. He emphasises that decision-makers need “a lot more education” to grasp accessibility needs. “Some of the issues all towns face are very high kerbs,” Skea explains, “which prevent wheelchair users from moving freely.” Events like this prove invaluable because they translate statistics into lived experience. Councillor Ciaran Morris, after his blindness simulation, reflected candidly: “Normally getting to the post office would be easy for me, but on this occasion I didn’t even make it.” His takeaway resonates beyond disability advocacy—”accessibility for wheelchair users is accessibility for everyone.” When Bodmin improves dropped kerbs, better pavements, and ramped access, families pushing prams benefit, elderly residents gain confidence, and delivery workers find routes smoother. The good news? Bodmin Town Council has prioritised accessibility improvements this year. Dan Rogerson committed that whenever infrastructure is repaired or replaced, disability access will guide decisions. “As we do that, we’re gradually improving things,” he noted. This represents genuine momentum for change.
What’s Next for Bodmin and Beyond
Access Cornwall plans expanding this “experience days” initiative across Cornwall’s towns, potentially bringing similar awareness programs to communities like Newquay and surrounding areas. For Bodmin residents, several actions matter now. First, document accessibility barriers you encounter—rough pavements, missing kerbs, inaccessible buildings—and report them to Bodmin Town Council. Second, attend public consultations when infrastructure projects are proposed; your voice strengthens the push for accessible design. Third, support local businesses that champion accessibility—their commitment sets standards others follow. Councillors acknowledge budget constraints, but Rogerson framed it wisely: “A short-term cost here brings long-term gain.” Improved accessibility attracts visitors (whether enjoying Fistral Beach or exploring dog friendly accommodation options that welcome pets), supports local businesses through increased footfall, and builds community pride. As Bodmin implements these changes—better pavements, dropped kerbs, accessible pathways—residents should expect gradual transformation. This isn’t just about wheelchair users; it’s about creating a town where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can navigate independently and safely. Watch for council updates on specific projects throughout the year.
Source: Bodmin councillors navigate town in disabled experiment
